Back-to-School Isn’t Just for Kids: 6 Essential Money Books to Read This Fall
It’s officially back-to-school season. And even if you’re way past the age of pencil boxes and Trapper Keepers, you can still continue your education.
That’s why we love this list from The Simple Dollar, where more than 20 personal finance bloggers share their favorite money books. (Sure, they call them “summer” reads, but we think financial knowledge is in season all year round.)
After all, the holiday season (and the new year) will be here before you know it, so now is the perfect time to brush up on your money know-how!
Here are our picks from The Simple Dollar’s list:
1. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Published in 2009, this book quickly became a classic. Though labeled as a “six-week personal finance program for 20-to-35-year-olds,” we think the advice rings true for anyone.
As blogger J. Money of Budgets are Sexy says, “Any book that can get you to laugh AND get your money on lock should be a mandatory read for everyone.”
2. When She Makes More by Farnoosh Torabi
Many women have become the breadwinners, which unfortunately can lead to stress in their relationships. This book helps women (and their partners) navigate this complicated topic.
“Money can change the power dynamics of any relationship and it’s usually not about the money but what it represents,” says blogger Jim Wang of Wallet Hacks.
“[Torabi] comes at the issue from the perspective of maintaining and, sometimes, saving a relationship, but you’ll find the ideas work in a variety of situations.”
3. MONEY Master the Game by Tony Robbins
Though we haven’t read this one yet, we were impressed by the fact not one, but three of the bloggers picked the motivational speaker’s book.
“It will empower you to take personal control of your investments,” says blogger and coach Whitney Hansen. “I appreciated the simple language used for an already complicated topic.”
As for our favorites, we asked a few staff about their go-to personal finance books.
4. 101 Weird Ways to Make Money by Steve Gillman
“Steve has a real talent for finding unusual ways to make a buck and this is such an entertaining read,” explains The Penny Hoarder founder Kyle Taylor. “How much fun would it be to start a cricket farm business in the backyard with your kids?!”
He also loves that Gillman, a regular contributor to the blog, focuses on earning more money.
“My philosophy is that most of us spend too much time thinking about ways to cut the budget and not enough time thinking about how to add to our income line. In reality, our financial planning time should be split equally between the two sides of our budget.”
5. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
Dream of starting your own business? You’ll enjoy this “refreshing look at how to start a business on your own terms, without an MBA or a ton of cash,” says senior editor Heather van der Hoop.
“If you have an idea percolating in the back of your mind — or simply the desire to do your own thing — read this book.”
6. The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke by Suze Orman
Maryann Akinboyewa, The Penny Hoarder’s assistant PR coordinator, loves this book because it’s “digestible” and “easy-to-understand.”
It “breaks down everything you need to know as a young professional,” she says. “It’s almost like having a mentor in your pocket. She’s not just throwing figures out there; she’s really by your side. I reference it before making any financial decisions.”
How’s that for a fall reading list? Dive into these books — and you’ll start the new year one step ahead of everyone else.
Your Turn: What’s your favorite money book?
Disclosure: We have a serious Taco Bell addiction around here. The affiliate links in this post help us order off the dollar menu. Thanks for your support!
Susan Shain (@Susan_Shain) is a staff writer for The Penny Hoarder who is always seeking adventure on a budget.
